WOOLACOMBE TIDE TIMES
HIGH AND LOW TIDE TIMES FOR WOOLACOMBE BEACH, NORTH DEVON
TODAY'S TIDE TIMES
ILFRACOMBE TIDAL STATION (0535) · ±5 MINS · UPDATED EVERY 10 MINUTES
ABOUT WOOLACOMBE TIDES
Woolacombe Beach experiences one of the largest tidal ranges in the UK, with a difference of approximately 8 to 9 metres between high and low water during spring tides. This is due to its location on the Bristol Channel coast, where the funnel shape of the channel amplifies the tidal range.
Tide data for Woolacombe is sourced from the ADMIRALTY tidal station at Ilfracombe (Station 0535), located approximately 6 miles east along the coast. Ilfracombe is the nearest primary tidal station to Woolacombe and provides accurate predictions for this stretch of the North Devon coastline.
HOW TIDES AFFECT WOOLACOMBE BEACH
LOW TIDE
At low tide, Woolacombe Beach extends to its full three-mile width, exposing vast areas of sand and multiple sandbar formations. This is when the beach is at its most impressive and when rock pools appear at the northern end near Morte Point. Surfing at low tide can offer the most peaks but waves can be weaker on smaller swells.
MID TIDE
Mid tide is generally considered the best time for surfing at Woolacombe. The water depth over the sandbars creates well-shaped waves that peel along the beach. This is also a comfortable time for swimming as there's still plenty of beach but the water is closer.
HIGH TIDE
At high tide, the beach narrows significantly and waves break closer to shore. The surf can be more powerful and punchy near high tide. On very high spring tides, the beach can almost disappear in places. Swimming is fine but stay aware of the stronger currents.
SPRING AND NEAP TIDES
Spring tides (not related to the season) occur roughly every two weeks around new and full moons. These produce the largest tidal ranges at Woolacombe, with the highest high tides and lowest low tides. Spring tides create stronger currents in the water which surfers and swimmers should be aware of.
Neap tides occur during quarter moons and produce a smaller tidal range. The difference between high and low water is less dramatic, and currents are generally weaker. Many surfers prefer neap tides as the sandbar shape changes less throughout the day.
TIDAL SAFETY AT WOOLACOMBE
- Always check the tide times before going to the beach, especially if walking to the north end near Morte Point where the path can be cut off at high tide
- Be aware of rising tides — the water can come in faster than expected on this gently sloping beach
- Strong rip currents can form near the rocks at both ends of the beach, particularly on spring tides
- The beach between the lifeguard flags is the safest area for swimming
- If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until free, then head back to the beach